Haven't come to Terms with your Illness yet? Try Journaling

Although the following article is focused on  mesothelioma as the illness, journaling can help people  across the entire spectrum of chronic mental and physical illness.


If you never tried journaling, read the following article and get started.


My journaling experience has been  in the form of poetry.  The practice has helped me cope with many situations over the years.

Here is the article:

Journaling as a Way of Life
by Melanie Bowen

Composing and organizing thoughts and goals in a journal aids individual self-assessment. Writing is a way to stimulate the brain to think in new ways. From one being diagnosed with diabetes to those with breast cancer, or stated mesothelioma prognosis, keeping a journal helps with the healing process. Writing down hopes, dreams, wishes, desires, ideals and future accomplishments contribute to a person’s overall psychological and physical well-being. 


Dr. James Pennebaker, noted psychologist and researcher at the University of Texas-Austin, explains that writing in a journal helps to strengthen immune cells referred to as T-lymphocytes. Recording stressful events is a way to reduce the toll that the stressful experience may take regarding overall physical health. Tear production during journal writing may also occur according to studies conducted by Dr. Pennebaker and his associates. 


Journaling is a way to help mesothelioma patients cope with the illness and reduce stress. It is an effective way for these individuals to clarify thoughts and feelings and learn more about themselves through creative writing and expression. A daily log helps with problem solving and tracking patterns, trends and daily improvements in physical and mental health. 


The best way to begin writing in a journal is to begin with an open page and an open mind. Start with a recent story about a life-changing incident or dream. Individuals from long ago have relied upon story telling as a therapeutic way to heal and achieve personal growth. Individuals who have the ability to construct a written narrative are more likely than others to experience the positive benefits of healing through creative expression.   


Writing stories in a journal helps to identify the emotions and thoughts of the mesothelioma patient after a doctor issues a prognosis. Jotting down notes about future goals, aspirations, hobbies and interests in a journal are ways to stay motivated and inspired. The key to happiness lies with establishing lifetime achievement goals and then writing about them. This helps individuals maintain a positive and productive outlook on life.


Journal writing is a very personal process. No one else will read the journal so there is no need to worry about correct spelling or grammar. Writing for at least twenty minutes or more every day is therapeutic and beneficial. Think of it as a road map for lifetime achievements and constructive daily activities. Jot down every passionate interest and activity. Perhaps learning a new language or musical instrument has become a new interest. Think of journaling as a way to stay motivated and interested in life.


For more information, help, and encouragement, visit  the MCA blog Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance